Agtel

Launch of “The 6 Steps”

Government Chief Whip, Minister Pat Carey TD officially launched the educational awareness-raising DVD “The 6 Steps” at an event in Dublin recently.

The Second Level Support Service (SLSS) working with Trócaire commissioned Agtel to produce this DVD with the twin aims of (a) promoting cross-cultural understanding at a global and local level and (b) illustrating each of the steps in the process for delivering an Action Project. These Action Projects are a core part of the Civic, Social and Political Education (CSPE) curriculum in Ireland and are designed to engage students in the process of becoming citizens by investigation into a local, national or international issue.

The Agtel approach focussed on key global development issues such as Child Labour and used this as a powerful way of showing students how to complete Action Projects successfully. Filmed in an engaging observational documentary style, the DVD captures the excitement and energy of the Action Projects as they happen. By filming in 4 schools around Ireland over the course of three months, the production follows the process of developing and delivering an Action Project, illustrating by way of interview and case study. This material is complemented by archive footage from Nicaragua and other developing countries. The DVD features two versions of the content – one film is aimed at the students themselves and the other version of the film is aimed at teachers. The films can be watched straight through and in addition it is also possible to quickly go to any of the individual steps featured as a “quick reference” tool.

There were numerous challenges to overcome in the production of this DVD – mainly related to the complexity of the subject matter and the logistics of the long term filming process. These were overcome by close collaboration and dedication among all those taking part – in particular the students and teachers who feature prominently throughout the production.

This creative and engaging DVD has been distributed to schools throughout Ireland and is already having a significant impact on the target audience of CSPE Students and Teachers. It is motivating the students to be active citizens and to carry out their Action Projects successfully. By clearly sign-posting the steps that form an Action Project it has given students an opportunity to develop analytical and practical skills that will in turn build their capacity for perception, engagement and participation in global society. One of the most significant outcomes of the DVD has been giving students the tools and motivation to understand the background of some of the students in their own classes who have roots in developing countries. This active discussion of cross-cultural themes in a structured context will have a long-term positive impact on the students involved.

HSE: Training Value for Money

Training course design, trainer fees, travel, per diem expenses and lost working hours.  How can essential training be delivered without the expense of traditional face-to-face training sessions?  Agtel has found a solution for the HSE with the production of a DVD-based training resource that features video playlets, graphics, audio, animation, text and a self-service menu option that allows either trainees or facilitators to work through the content in an intuitive, appealing and effective manner. 

Drawing on best practice in adult learning principles and courseware design, a hybrid DVD was developed that provides HSE Line Managers with both the theory and practice of people management and employment law.  The realistic drama scenes, provide a learning experience that is highly visual, interactive and grounded ‘in the real world’. 

Supporting text, downloadable forms and other resources make the DVD an innovative package – a complete training centre on a DVD.  Add to this, the full integration of the resource with the HSE’s eLearning system and the scope of the resource is extended further.

High quality training delivered in a highly cost-effective manner.